F1 News: Sebastian Vettel reveals Fernando Alonso as "toughest" rival
Sebastian Vettel has discussed his evolving relationship and history with Fernando Alonso, perhaps his greatest adversary in Formula 1.
The four-time World Champion has faced several World Champions throughout his career, frequently going wheel-to-wheel against the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso for titles.
Vettel's rivalry with Alonso is often described as the most impressive from the 2010s, with Red Bull's raging bull finding itself in direct competition with Ferrari's Prancing Horse.
His retirement from Formula 1 leaves only Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and now Nico Hulkenberg as the drivers still competing on the grid from the iconic 2012 season - a season that will forever live in fans' memory.
There was some hope that Aston martin could deliver the necessary machinery to motivate Vettel and convince him to sign a contract extension, but this ultimately would not pass.
As quoted by motor.es, Sebastian Vettel spoke about his relationship with Fernando Alonso:
"I admire him as a competitor. He was probably the toughest one, especially in those first years.
"The battles at the end of those championships, in 2010 and 2012 in particular, are probably my favourite moments and memories.
"I think he has a lot of natural talent, an incredible determination, a great race instinct.
"And he's not lost any of that. You can see his love for racing. He's very passionate.
"As a person, I don't really know him. I wouldn't say we get along that well, but we respect each other. But we haven't spent much time together or spoken much outside of races."
The discrepancy in their machinery prevented the two drivers from competing for several seasons, although both drivers found themselves in the midfield in 2021 and 2022.
Regardless, few can dispute the profound impact Vettel and Alonso - both as individuals and rivals - had on Formula 1.